Friday, July 25, 2008

sun tips from surf pro


While baking in the sun feels great and a golden tan looks even better, the rays damaging effects aren't even slightly desirable. It may take a few years to notice why, but sun spots and wrinkles are not attractive. Beyond that, the risk for cancer is just too high.

Get a couple of skin saving tips from surfing pro, Kassia Meador. She's in the sun all the time but is smart about it and does her part to protect her body. Meador shared her "skin saving secrets" in this LA Times article. A couple of her favorite products include Coppertone Sport Sunblock Lotion Spray Ultra Sweatproof, SPF 30, for her body and Shiseido's Ultimate Sun Protection Cream, SPF 55 for her face.

Women surfers share sun-protection secrets
Pro riders Kassia Meador, Katrina Petroni, Alana Blanchard and Sage Erickson give their favorites for keeping hair and skin healthy.
By Emili Vesilind
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

July 20, 2008

SAGE ERICKSON'S day begins before 8 a.m., when she rolls out of bed and stretches for an hour. Then it's off to the C Street beach in Ventura to surf for two hours. After that, there's school, lunch, a five-minute abs workout -- then it's headlong back into the surf where she rips gnarly waves until sundown.

Pounding saltwater. Gritty sand. Relentless sunshine. Professional surfers endure summer's wild-and-woolly elements on a daily basis.

And yet most manage to emerge from the waves looking so dewy and radiant that they have second careers as models.

How do they do it? We asked four pro riders -- Kassia Meador, Katrina Petroni, Alana Blanchard and Erickson (who's finishing her last amateur year and will compete in the U.S. Open of Surfing this week) -- all fierce competitors who spend half their lives in saltwater. Most keep their beauty routines simple, but they're diligent. This new generation of top wave riders is savvier about the harsh effects of surf and sun than their skin-baking predecessors. From a young age, they've been slathering on high SPFs and rich moisturizers and hair conditioners.

"I'm a fanatic about sunscreen, just seeing how many wrinkles surfers get," Erickson says. These beach beauties -- who travel the world competing in tournaments all year -- have tested just about everything. Here are some of their picks and tricks for keeping it together on the beach.

Hold the rays at bay

When you're in the water an average of six hours a day, you need a waterproof sunscreen that stays on even after a few nasty wipeouts. Kassia Meador, a 26-year-old from Oceanside who's considered one of the great female long boarders, uses Coppertone Sport Sunblock Lotion Spray Ultra Sweatproof, SPF 30, on her body. "It's awesome and absorbs straight into skin," she says.

For her face, she slathers on Shiseido's Ultimate Sun Protection Cream, SPF 55. Meador doesn't take chances with sunburn, even though she's naturally olive-skinned. So right before she hits the water, she rubs another layer on her face -- Shiseido Sun Block Stick SPF 35: "It's super-thick and stays on forever."

The sunblock is also a favorite of Katrina Petroni, who lives and trains in Australia and is ranked 73rd on the World Qualifying Tour (the series of events that lead up to the World Championship Tour). "It's great in the water because it never rubs off," she says.

Jessica Wu, an L.A. dermatologist, says sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours when you're on the beach -- whether you're in the water or not -- and recommends finding a sunscreen for your skin type. "If you have really oily skin, you want a product that's not going to be greasy and slip off," says Wu, who prefers Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55.

For drier skin, she recommends La Roche-Posay Anthelios Water Resistant Sunscreen Cream SPF 30, which contains Mexoryl, the newest sunscreen ingredient to be approved by the FDA. Mexoryl is the most effective ingredient known for protecting against harmful rays. Beach bums in Brazil and France have been using it for years.

Finally, don't forget a lip balm with an SPF of at least 35, even if you plan to wear lip gloss over it. And there's an easy way to protect the vulnerable skin on your shoulders: Wear a T-shirt or a rash guard. Most serious riders do.

Protect the locks

Sun and saltwater are natural highlighters, but can turn healthy locks into a bleached bird's nest. So surfer girls are addicted to leave-in conditioners and sun-blocking hair products.

Erickson swears by Redken UV Daily Sun Milk leave-in protective moisturizer, which has an SPF 15, to keep her long blond tresses from over-bleaching. "I put it in 10 minutes before I go surfing," she said.

Alana Blanchard, 18, who grew up surfing in Kauai and is ranked fifth on the World Qualifying Tour, rubs conditioner into her long blond mane every time she gets out of the water (while it's still salty), and combs a quarter-sized dollop of Biosilk Silk Therapy -- an oil-based hair conditioner and styling aid -- through her hair every night. "It soaks into each hair as you sleep," she says, and it's dry by morning.

Meador uses Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Moisture shampoo and conditioner daily, but skips hard-core hair maintenance by keeping her brown, wavy hair short and shaggy. In fact, her favorite styling aid is the ocean. "It gives hair that gritty, cool texture," Meador says

Post-sun protocol

After a day of globbing on sunscreen, skin can feel as waxy as one of Madame Tussauds' figures, so Wu recommends sprinkling baby powder everywhere to soak up sweat and oil, and remove sand, then showering with a water-based foaming shower gel.

"A moisturizing, heavy soap is going to make you slippery and not take off the sunscreen," she says. Then rehydrate the skin with an even more emollient moisturizer, such as Oil of Olay's Moisture Replenishing Mousse, Wu says, adding, "People always talk about moisturizing more heavily in the winter, but the saltwater really dries out your skin."

Surfer girls like their body moisturizers cheap and basic. Blanchard uses body butters from Bath & Body Works, Meador likes Nivea's signature body lotion and Petroni opts for organic jojoba oil, "because it's natural and, unlike baby oil, it soaks in."

Meador gently scrubs the sunscreen off her face with a loofah pad, then applies Shiseido's Skincare Night Moisture Recharge.

Baby the burn

Despite all the precautions, now and then you get burned. Wu recommends two aspirin to reduce swelling and applying cold, green tea compresses: "Green tea has antioxidants that will protect your skin, and the coolness will reduce swelling." Also, eat some cooked tomatoes or a slice of pizza. "It's been proven that tomato paste and cooked tomatoes help reduce the risk of sunburn," Wu says, "even after the fact."

Another reason to be glad that all those pizza shacks line SoCal beaches.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

all the scoop on those lb teens

Though I don't support the fan obsession of MTV's Laguna Beach and The Hills, I thought I'd share my recent website find. For those major fans, you can get up to date on all those 'locals' via the Laguna Beach Gossip blog. For scoop, visit lagunabeachgossip.wordpress.com.

gossip on the beach


Blake Lively, star of the CW TV show Gossip Girls, filming a scene in the Hamptons.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

beach days at victoria




Victoria Beach in Laguna Beach. July 2008.

sunscreen for nails by orly

Ever notice how your nail polish sometimes turns an icky shade of yellow after a day at the beach? That's because the combination of nail polish plus sunscreen plus ultraviolet rays causes your nail color to oxidize. So keep the regular sunscreen away from your manicure and try this Sunscreen for Nails by Orly ($7).

A must-have for protecting your precious polish, this clear topcoat is made from a light-absorbent formula that keeps your nails from yellowing. It has an intense high shine to it and will ensure that your manicure stays the shade you love.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

surfs up in huntington beach




Huntington Beach is currently host to top surfers from around the globe in North America's highest rated qualifying event and the world's largest professional surf competition. The US Open of Surfing and Beach Festival kicked off in Huntington Beach on July 18 and will run through July 27, 2008. The US Open of Surfing is the biggest and most prestigious surfing event in the world. As the official home of the USA Surf Team, Huntington Beach embodies the authentic sport, culture, and spirit of surfing; and is consistently ranked among the best surfing beaches in America.

More than 500 world-class athletes representing a dozen countries are battling over 10 days and across four divisions, all chasing a $125,000 prize purse and the chance to become part of the U.S. Open’s coveted lore. In addition to surfing, the world’s finest extreme sports athletes will compete in skateboarding, BMX stunt riding, and motorcross. Extreme sport demonstrations featuring surfing, skateboarding, BMX, FMX, and volleyball will be held daily throughout the duration of the event.

The US Open of Surfing and Beach Festival includes a festival area with over 70 vendor booths, entertainment, concerts, autograph signings, interactive activities such as a gaming lounge, and more. National and local bands will perform live on a concert stage, creating a sound track for the event. The heavily attended professional surfing competition draws nearly 400,000 spectators and is celebrating its 15th anniversary. All events during the U.S. Open of Surfing and Beach Festival are open to the public, free of charge. For some good sun and a chance to meet a pro surfer, head to Huntington Beach this weekend.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

zac and vanessa ditch high school for the beach



Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens took their real-life romance on vacation to Turks and Caicos, and it looks like things got a lot steamier than anything we'll see in the High School Musical movies. The young couple showed off their hot beach bodies strolling on the surf and kayaking in the ocean when they weren't visiting with fans (or dealing with the paparazzi).

caribbean beach volleyball championships

With the Olympics on the horizon, I can't help but think about the upcoming showcase of talent. My favorites sports to watch during the Olympic games are swimming, gymnastics, and beach volleyball. US representatives Misty May and Keri Walsh stole the show at the last Olympics. Beach volleyball became the event known for great athletic performances and great fun for the fans.

Being that it's summer, everyone is getting into beach sports, even the Caribbean. The Caribbean Tourism Development Company (CTDC) and East End Volleyball have joined forces to produce the 1st Annual Caribbean Beach Volleyball Championships, November 3-4 at Isla Verde, Puerto Rico. The tournament will be held on a different island every year. This could become a great sport to follow! If your an athlete, there is still time to sine up and play. The Caribbean Championships are open to players of all levels. Complete info is online at: www.eevb.net/CaribbeanChamps.htm

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

palm beach 'beach house' for just $72.5M


The Addison Mizner-designed Mediterranean Revival-style home at 780 S. Ocean Boulevard is back on the market. The price however has almost doubled since its last sale in 2003. The 'beach house' has 268 feet of ocean frontage on 3-plus acres. The town designated 780 S. Ocean Blvd. a landmark in 1990.

Casa Nana was built in 1926. The home has been owned by a succession of prominent people, from original owner National Tea Co. founder George Rasmussen, to dime-store heiress Mary Woolworth Donahue and PAX-TV network founder Lowell 'Bud' Paxson, to Florida car dealer Terry Taylor.

Monday, July 14, 2008

save trestles update

Word from the Surfrider Foundation is that the UC Irvine Bren Center hearing has been postponed. Apparently, UC Irvine is concerned that their facilities will be overwhelmed by the turn out.

From Surfrider:

Big News!! Toll Road Hearing Possibly Postponed

We were informed this weekend that UC Irvine's Bren Center will NOT play host to the Commerce Department’s public hearing on the 241 Toll Road on July 25th. They feared that the turnout from supporters of San Onofre State Beach and Trestles would overwhelm the facilities at UCI, estimating that over 10,000 of you would show up.

Clearly there is strong community opposition to this destructive highway project, and those voices need to be heard. Unfortunately no other venue has been identified, and the Commerce Department has made no definitive decision on how or when to move forward with the hearing. We will keep you informed as the situation develops, but for now we are assuming there will be NO Hearing on July 25th at the Bren Center.

In the meantime, make sure that the Commerce Department knows that you still want the opportunity to be heard. Send an email to Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez demanding that they reschedule the hearing so that he can hear from the community on this issue. Copy and paste the text below or write your own letter, and send it to gcos.comments@noaa.gov

Dear Secretary Gutierrez, You previously promised to hold a hearing in Southern California to gauge the public's feelings on the proposed 241 Toll Road through San Onofre State Beach. The venue you chose for this hearing felt that the expected crowd was beyond their abilities serve properly. This intense public interest is even more reason for you to follow through on your promise and reschedule the hearing to an appropriate venue at a later date. As a member of the public I deserve the opportunity to have my voice heard on this issue. Please do not silence my voice on this important decision.

Sincerely, Your Name and Address


We will keep you informed about any changes. Thanks for your continued support to protect Trestles and San Onofre!!

Your pals at Surfrider

laguna surf series


One event not to miss this summer is a surf film apart of the Laguna Beach Surf Series. Sponsored by Hurley and Laguna Surf & Sport, the surf series is held at the Regency theatre in downtown Laguna Beach. Admission is free and fun giveaways will be handed out. The film, Buddha Drop by Matt Schuster, will be shown July 22nd at 7pm.

Laguna Beach Surf Series
July 22nd at 7 pm

Regency Laguna South Coast Cinemas
62 South Pacific Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Sunday, July 13, 2008

ten can't-miss beach reads

Cosmopolitan's John Searles shares this summer's sizzling reads:

Are you looking to get your hands on one of this summer's hottest new books? With so many to choose from, it's tough to know where to start looking. Thankfully, help has arrived in the form of John Searles, book editor for Cosmopolitan magazine and author of "Strange But True." Searles shares his list of the season's sizzling reads.

"Dear American Airlines"
Most people who travel find themselves trapped in airport hell at some point. That’s the case with the main character in Jonathan Miles' hilarious novel. On the way to his daughter’s wedding, Benjamin Ford is stranded for an eternity at O’Hare. As he waits, he begins to write a scathing letter to American Airlines. The letter ends up turning into a funny and mesmerizing novel that tells the story of his life.

"The Writing Class"
This book appealed to me since, as a novelist, I’ve taken and taught my share of writing classes in my day. Jincy Willet has a kooky and charming style of storytelling. She throws in all kinds of crazy details, which bring the pages to life. In this book, she spins the tale of a writing teacher who presides over a class full of oddballs. When one of her students turns up dead, she sets out to solve the mystery. Anyone who’s ever wanted to write or taken a creative writing course will get a kick out of this book.

"All We Ever Wanted Was Everything"
This is a smart, darkly comic beach book written by Janelle Brown. It opens with a woman who is going about her morning and happily listening to the television news as her husband’s pharmaceutical company goes public. She is mentally racking up all the dollars and planning how nice it will be when he has to work less. But wait: she quickly finds out that her husband is leaving her for his tennis partner! That’s when her world is turned upside down.

"An Absolute Scandal"
For anyone who wants a juicy summer read full of scandal, this is your book. It’s about a few wealthy families who are all drawn together during a financial downturn. Suddenly, these people who’ve always had everything don’t. Penny Vincenzi's book a perfect page-turner for the beach.

"The Beach House"
Jane Green's breezy novel is about an elderly women who rents out some of the rooms in her Nantucket home one summer to make some extra money. A cast of characters fills her life and an unexpected visitor as well; this is good summer fun.

"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"
This is a great selection for a book club. Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows' novel is about a book club formed as an alibi during World War II in order to protect its members from arrest by German soldiers. Two things fascinated me about this book: First, it’s written by a woman and her niece. Second, the book is told through a series of letters. It comes out in a few more weeks, but people can order it online, or of course, at their local bookstores.

"Careless in Red"
What’s remarkable about Elizabeth George is that she’s an American who writes the most authentic British mysteries. Fans have been eagerly awaiting this latest installment in her Inspector Lynley series. This time out, the inspector steps down from Scotland Yards after the murder of his wife. But he can’t stay away from crime-solving for long. He soon stumbles upon the body of a young man. This is a riveting read for mystery lovers.

"When You Are Engulfed in Flames"
In a note at the beginning of the book, David Sedaris labels these as “realish” essays inspired by his life. Anyone who knows Sedaris’ writing loves him for his crazy tales. This book is chock full of them. My favorite tale is the one about his weird neighbor from years ago. There’s another about him accidentally coughing a throat lozenge out of his mouth and onto the lap of a rude woman who is asleep beside him on an airplane ride.

"Summer of Naked Swim Parties"
This book wins the prize for the best title of the list. It’s by a first time author, Jessica Anya Blau. With the show ,"Swingtown" coming out this summer, there’s been lots of talk about the 1970s. The title of this book says it all!

"Loving Frank"
If you missed this one in hardcover, be sure not to miss it in paperback. Nancy Horan's novel is based on the true story of the love affair between Frank Lloyd Wright and a woman named Mamah Cheney; both of them left their family to be together, creating a Chicago scandal that eventually ended in violence.

© 2008 MSNBC Interactive
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25280915/

Friday, July 11, 2008

design your own surf board and win!

Design a surfboard and design your way into the Style Week Orange County spotlight! Sponsored by Roxy, get creative, draw, paint, collage, etc.

Final designs will be displayed at the Irvine Spectrum Center Quiksilver store from Aug 23 - 29. Shoppers will vote for their favorite looks. The winning board can be seen during Style Week Orange County in the House of Style at the Irvine Spectrum Center Sept 8-13.

Win a grand prize of a $500 Quiksilver gift card. First runner up will get a $100 Quiksilver gift card.

How To Enter:

1. Download and print off design-a-board contest form AND design template at www.roxy.com.
2. Fill out entry form and create a design incorporating the Roxy logo somewhere on the board (using design template form).
3. Drop off your completed entry and your design to the Quiksilver store at the Irvine Spectrum near Cheesecake Factory.

OR

Mail completed entry and your design form to:
Roxy 'Design-A-Board' Contest, Quiksilver
15202 Graham Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92649

DUE at 5 pm on August 5, 2008.

Style Week Orange County Roxy Design Contest Entry Rules

1. Down load your entry form at http://www.toroxy.com/2007/07/design_a_board.html. Entrants may only use entry form to enter contest. Any other form of entry will be disqualified.
2. Entrants must use the Roxy logo in some way in an original piece of artwork.
3. Contest entrants must provide all information requested on form in order to be accepted into the Roxy ‘Design-A-Board’ contest.
4. Only one design per person may be submitted.
5. Artwork entry submission deadline is 5 p.m. PDT August 7, 2008. Any submissions received after the deadline will be disqualified.
6. Upon submission, artwork becomes the permanent property of Roxy for use in the Style Week Orange County design contest and for any other purpose. No artwork will be returned to contest entrants.
7. Three top finalists will be determined by a panel of Roxy designers; the decision of the judges is final.
8. Artwork of the three top finalists will be affixed to surfboards to be displayed in Quiksilver at Irvine Spectrum Center August 23-29, 2008.
9. Irvine Spectrum Center Quiksilver customers will rank their preference of the top three designs during the August 23-29, 2008 display period. The design receiving the highest customer vote count will be declared the winner. The winning design will be used by Roxy on a limited production of tee shirts, a Quiksilver gift-with-purchase at the Irvine Spectrum Center store September 8-13, 2008. In addition, the surfboard containing the winning design becomes the permanent property of Irvine Spectrum Center and will be displayed in the House of Style September 8-13, 2008. The two surfboards with the runner-up designs will be awarded to Irvine Spectrum Center Quiksilver customers through a random drawing with no purchase necessary for prize consideration. Odds of winning any prize depend on the total number or eligible entries received. By participating, entrants agree that the decisions of Quiksilver will be final and binding in all matters relating to this drawing.
10. Three top finalists will be determined by a panel of Roxy designers; the decision of the judges is final.
11. Artwork of the three top finalists will be affixed to surfboards to be displayed in Quiksilver at Irvine Spectrum Center August 23-29, 2008.
12. Roxy, Quiksilver and Irvine Spectrum Center assume no liability or responsibility for damages, losses or injuries resulting from this contest or the acceptance or use of any prize.
13. No employees of The Irvine Company, Roxy, Quiksilver or their families may enter the design contest.
14. No purchase necessary.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Surf Art



John O'Brien is a surfer, artist, photographer and writer. He sells his coastal art online and in galleries across Southern California. His artistic and editorial career includes work at The New York Times, Architectural Digest, Disney, Warner Brothers and SurferMag.com. He donates many of his works to Surfrider Foundation and many other charities. Enjoy his work and his website!

www.surferdreams.com

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

visit trestles, save trestles



shoes and pedicures



The Pottery Shack in Laguna Beach, now known as The Old Pottery Place, is an adorable array of unique shops, offices, a restaurant, and food purveyors. One to note in the little village is Tootsies, an adorable shoe store that also does pedicures. Friday, Saturday or Sunday, by appointment or walk-in, you can get a fabulous pedicure while surveying all the cute shoes. For $28 you get a refreshing pedicure which includes a soak, shape, smooth, scrub, moisture masque, hot towels, polish and shine. Why not treat yourself afterwards to a new pair of heels to show off your polished toes!

Tootsies Shoes & Pedicure Lounge
949-715-5151
1200 S. Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

www.theoldpotteryplace.com

Thursday, July 3, 2008

see trestles, save trestles


The open space in Southern California continues to be consumed by developers and new roads. See the grand open space so many are trying to save.

http://www.caopenspace.org/trestles2.html

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

save trestles


Stop the toll road!

The biggest hearing yet for famed Southern California surf spot, Trestles, will take place Friday, July 25th at the Bren Center on the campus of University of California, Irvine. This hearing marks the next critical battle in a decade long fight to protect Trestles beach.

One battle has been won so far in protecting the beach, when the California Coastal Commission (CCC) struck down the toll road on grounds it violates the Coastal Act. But, the TCA refused to accept the CCC decision and has appealed it to the Federal Government.

Please help ensure the Federal Government supports important California environmental laws and upholds the Coastal Commission decision by coming out to the hearing on July 25th!!! Public participation and your voices were critical in convincing the Coastal Commission to deny the toll road. We need to apply the same pressure to the Federal Government--they must see first hand how many people are invested in protecting San Onofre State Beach and Trestles.

On the day of the event, Surfrider will be running buses from the LA and San Diego areas.

If you want to leave from San Diego, please RSVP at: savetrestles@surfrider.org with the subject line: buses to hearing. Please indicate if you want a bus from North or South San Diego County.

If you want to leave from LA area, please RSVP by following this link: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2bkh7rhfhy6wons/a011dfi51lwg9/questions

Please make plans to attend the hearing at UC Irvine with your friends and family and stand up for Trestles, for state parks, and against the toll road. www.savetrestles.org